Value of detecting peri‐device leak and incomplete endothelialization by cardiac CT angiography in atrial fibrillation patients post Watchman LAAC combined with radiofrequency ablation

OBJECTIVES: To explore the value of detecting the peri‐device leak (PDL) and device endothelialization after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) by cardiac computed tomography (CT) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), who underwent Watchman LAAC combined with radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation (AFCA). METHODS: Patients with symptomatic drug‐refractory atrial fibrillation at high risk of stroke (CHA(2)DS(2)‐VASc Score ≥ 2), who underwent Watchman LAAC combined with AFCA in our center from March 2017 to December 2018 were enrolled. Maximum diameter of LAA orifice was determined by preoperative CCTA. A standardized view of Watchman device was obtained by postoperative CCTA multiplannar reconstruction to evaluate the PDL and device endothelialization. RESULTS: Approximately 84 patients post successful LAAC and AFCA were enrolled in this study. The satisfactory LAA occlusion rate was 100%. There was no death, bleeding, stroke, and device‐related thrombus (DRT) events. At 6‐month postprocedure, CCTA images evidenced complete endothelialization in 44 patients (no contrast enhancement in LAA); contrast enhancement in LAA and visible PDL in 33 patients; contrast enhancement in LAA but without PDL in seven patients (incomplete device endothelialization). Maximum diameter of LAA orifice could independently predict the occurrence of PDL (odds ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.55; p = .002), sensitivity was 69.7% and specificity was 80.4% with the cutoff value of maximum diameter of LAA orifice more than 28.2 mm on predicting PDL. CONCLUSIONS: CCTA is feasible to evaluate PDL and device endothelialization after LAAC. The maximum diameter of LAA orifice derived from CT can independently predict the occurrence of post‐LAAC PDL.